Ford, HRT ‘Pushing Hard’ on Mustang GT3 Development

Photo: Gruppe C Photography/HRT

The addition of new customers for this year, including Haupt Racing Team (HRT), is helping further develop the Ford Mustang GT3 according to Ford Performance global sports car racing manager Kevin Groot.

The Detroit manufacturer, which recently celebrated the Mustang GT3’s breakthrough first win in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, has continued to ramp up its customer program globally with the addition of HRT, Gradient Racing (IMSA) and Dollahite Racing (SRO America) this year.

It comes in addition to Proton Competition’s continued efforts with the V8-powered beast in the FIA World Endurance Championship, and the factory Multimatic Motorsports operation in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

HRT, which is set to undertake programs in GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS, as well as giving the car its debut in DTM, ADAC GT Masters and at the Nürburgring 24, has been a “massive” addition to Ford’s lineup according to Groot.

“It’s like the beachhead,” he told Sportscar365. “In Europe, you need to establish yourselves. We’re looking forward to the season ahead with HRT, and together, establishing this partnership in top-tier European based championships .

“Mustang GT3 having a presence in most of the major global championships is important because it reestablishes the rich racing heritage of Mustang worldwide. HRT will aid us in that, as we continue to grow Mustang in Europe.”

Groot said the Hubert Haupt-owned team, which has enjoyed success in numerous forms of European GT3 racing with Mercedes-AMG, has made the full switch to the Mustang GT3 in what will be an “aggressive” program on the continent.

“Ford Performance and HRT both have a similar DNA in that we push hard toward long-term development. It’s like having a second development team, which will fast-track this process.

“The partnership comes at a good time now that we’ve completed a full race season with Mustang GT3. We’ll look to provide them with tremendous support and feedback, and in-turn they’ll push just as hard to make sure the car is right.”

Groot admitted that a DTM program wasn’t on Ford Performance’s radar screen this early into the Mustang GT3 program but comes as an important addition to its global efforts.

“It was on the periphery; it wasn’t primary for us, but HRT has a massive interest in it,” he said. “We have also found that Ford of Germany is excited as well. They’re offering great support and are very eager to be involved and engaged with the team.”

“This season is special for Ford Performance and Mustang GT3, because we are competing in three major 24-hour endurances races in June. Le Mans, of course, is very important to us given our history there. Then we’ll have Spa and Nürburgring, both with HRT. Our goal is to expand even further in the coming years.”

Groot also spoke positively of both Gradient and Dollahite, which represents the brand in the WeatherTech Championship and GT World Challenge America powered by AWS competition, respectively.

“We’re excited to have Gradient in IMSA,” he said. “They’re a great partner. Andris [Laivins] is just a tremendous person to work with. We communicate openly, which is a valuable characteristic that will continue in our progression.

“We’re looking forward to working with Dollahite Racing, as their season in GT World Challenge America will start at the end of March.”

Ford Performance’s level of customer support includes the allocation of engine calibrators and systems/performance engineers, with increased attendance for races that require torque sensors due to the added complexity for the teams.

“Any time there’s torque control, we need a Ford Performance engineer there to ensure we’re hitting our marks,” said Groot.

“In the U.S. and for the FIA World Endurance Championship, Ford appoints engineers in those positions. In Europe, because of travel and logistical challenges, Multimatic provides the systems support and we have M-Sport contracted to be on-site to manage powertrain related needs.”

Groot said that each customer team has their own requirements, which Ford works to achieve.

“Some teams can accept more than others,” he said. “It’s got to be tailored to them. And we’re growing at the same time, trying to fill their needs as we grow our people moving forward.”

While boasting an increasing base of customers for its second year with the Mustang GT3, Groot indicated they continue to hold dialogue with other teams for the future as well.

“The conversations never stop,” he said. “There’s always people kicking tires. Not all of them pan out. But a lot of people are waiting to see how the car fares in sprint [racing], as Mustang GT3 hasn’t competed in any events under two hours yet.”

“The program is going well, and the team is delivering. With 20-something Mustang GT3s built and sold, it is a special time for us in sports car racing. It gives us more opportunity to push the limits trackside and transfer our race development to street Mustangs worldwide.”

John Dagys

John Dagys is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Sportscar365. Dagys spent eight years as a motorsports correspondent for FOXSports.com and SPEED Channel and has contributed to numerous other motorsports publications worldwide. Contact John